7 Reasons Why the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback EX is a Sweet Deal You Can't Ignore
When it comes to cars that perfectly balance practicality and fun the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback EX checks all the right boxes. Whether you're cruising around town or tackling a road trip this compact hatchback has enough tech power and pizzazz to keep you engaged behind the wheel. But let's not sugarcoat everything—there are some quirks too! In this article we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty details from performance and design to features and some hilarious pitfalls (because who doesn’t love to laugh at their car’s flaws?). Let’s start with the fun stuff and see why the Civic Hatchback EX deserves a spot in your driveway.
The Overview: A Jack-of-All-Trades Hatchback
The 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback EX is a versatile and spacious compact car that comes with all the features a modern driver craves. It's powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that punches out 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. It’s not a rocket but it can definitely get you through rush-hour traffic without making you feel like you're crawling.
Powertrain and Performance
Honda’s Civic line has always been known for reliability and solid engineering and this hatchback version is no exception. The 1.5L turbocharged engine offers smooth acceleration and, thanks to the CVT (continuously variable transmission) the ride is pretty seamless. Let’s get into the performance specifics that’ll keep you smiling as you drive.
Acceleration and Handling: Smooth Yet Satisfying
This Civic isn’t going to burn rubber at the track but its 0-60 mph time of around 7 seconds is impressive for a car of its size and class. The steering is precise giving you that connected-to-the-road feeling—perfect for city driving and weekend jaunts alike. Handling is where the Civic EX shines; it hugs the road well and offers a stable ride even when cornering sharply. It's nimble for its size and won't leave you sweating when navigating tight parking spots.
What Could Be Better?
Well the turbo lag is noticeable sometimes. If you floor it expecting to leap forward you might experience a split-second of hesitation that’ll make you go “uh what just happened?” But let’s be real—it’s not a race car it’s a hatchback designed for everyday practicality.
Fuel Efficiency: Saving Money One Gallon at a Time
Who doesn’t love saving money at the pump? The 2019 Civic Hatchback EX gets you about 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. That's stellar for a compact car in its class especially given the turbocharged engine. Over a year you’ll likely spend less on gas than your coffee habit (though let's face it we could all use fewer lattes). With fuel prices these days you’re going to appreciate this little fuel-sipper.
Quirky Drawback Alert
The Civic’s small fuel tank is a bit of a head-scratcher. You’ll probably find yourself stopping to fill up a little more often than you'd expect. Maybe Honda thinks you need a break from driving every 300 miles?
Design: A Hatch That’s Not Just for Groceries
Let’s talk about the look. Hatchbacks often get a bad rep for being a bit...dull but the Civic EX takes the shape and gives it a sporty twist. It’s sleek modern and, dare we say, a bit aggressive?
Exterior: Style Points for the Everyday Driver
The 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback EX sports a look that’s far from boring. With its sharp angles bold grille and distinctive rear end it stands out from the sea of SUVs clogging the roads. Those 17-inch alloy wheels look good in motion and the integrated spoiler gives it a sporty vibe.
Fun Quirk
The back end of the car might remind you of a spaceship...or maybe that’s just me. The wide tail lights are futuristic but there’s no denying they make a statement. A Civic? A spaceship? You decide.
Interior: Comfort Meets Functionality
Hop inside and you’re greeted with a cabin that feels way more spacious than it looks from the outside. The EX trim comes with heated front seats (because your backside deserves warmth too) and a power-adjustable driver’s seat that makes long drives bearable. The cloth seats are surprisingly plush which is a good thing because let’s face it no one’s paying for leather at this price point.
Infotainment System: Almost Perfect
The 7-inch touchscreen comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which is basically a must these days. It’s user-friendly too with easy-to-navigate menus that won't make you feel like you’re defusing a bomb every time you want to change the radio station.
The Infotainment Downside
Here's where we get real: the touchscreen is not the most responsive. Sometimes you’ll tap it expecting an instant reaction and instead it’s like the screen’s having a quick nap. My advice? Tap slow tap once or just stick to the physical buttons when you're in a rush.
Cargo Space: More Room Than You Think
Don’t let the word "hatchback" fool you—there's plenty of room back there. The Civic Hatchback offers 25.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up. Drop them down and you’ve got a whopping 46.2 cubic feet. That’s more than enough space for a weekend camping trip or a ridiculous Costco haul (yes you really do need that 24-pack of toilet paper).
Safety and Tech Features: You’re in Good Hands
Honda’s always been solid in the safety department and the 2019 Civic Hatchback EX is no exception. It comes with Honda Sensing a suite of driver-assist technologies that include:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Assist
Lane-Keeping Assist: The Hero You Didn’t Know You Needed
Here’s a feature that genuinely saves lives (or at least some minor fender benders). The Lane-Keeping Assist System nudges you back into your lane if you start to drift. It’s a subtle reminder that maybe you need a bit more sleep.
When the System Gets Annoying
Of course nothing’s perfect and sometimes the system can be a little too enthusiastic. Even if you’re just barely on the edge of the lane line it might start freaking out. Don’t worry it’s not trying to parent you—just doing its job a little too well.
Adaptive Cruise Control: A Blessing on Long Trips
Adaptive Cruise Control is a lifesaver on long drives. It automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you meaning fewer adjustments on your part.
Is It Perfect?
Eh...not quite. It can be slow to react sometimes so you might find yourself manually adjusting the speed when it hesitates to kick in.
Real-World Reviews: What Are Owners Saying?
When it comes to real-world experience it’s always a good idea to listen to those who have lived with the car day in and day out. Alex Collantes a proud Civic Hatchback EX owner shared some insight:
"I’ve had the Civic for about a year now and it’s been rock solid. The fuel efficiency is great and the tech package makes it feel like a luxury car even though it’s not. My only gripe is with the touchscreen—it can be unresponsive but otherwise it’s a great ride."
That sums it up! Owners love this hatchback for its reliability and value but if you need instant touchscreen action you might be left tapping and waiting.
Pricing and Value: Affordable and Reliable
Here’s the part you’ve been waiting for—the price. At an MSRP starting around $24,400, the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback EX offers a ton of value. You get a comfortable interior great fuel economy and a suite of advanced safety features all for a price that won’t break the bank. Plus with Honda’s reputation for reliability you’ll be driving this car for years before it even thinks about giving you trouble.
Why You Should Consider the Civic Hatchback EX
- Fuel efficiency that saves you money in the long run.
- Spacious interior that accommodates both passengers and cargo.
- Safety features that keep you and your family protected.
- Great resale value thanks to Honda’s well-earned reputation.
But Should You?
If you’re looking for a car that balances affordability reliability and fun, the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback EX is an excellent choice. Sure it has a few quirks like the quirky turbo lag and a touchscreen that takes its time but let’s be honest—no car’s perfect. The Civic gives you a lot for what you’re paying and that’s why it’s a solid buy.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
The 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback EX is a great all-rounder. It won’t leave you feeling like you're driving a spaceship (unless you focus too much on those tail lights) but it’s dependable affordable and packed with enough features to keep modern drivers happy. It might not be flawless but hey neither are we!